Following the budget meeting on Wednesday morning, two councillors released a joint statement on social media, addressing the row which erupted early in proceedings.
Councillor Amanda Hampsey (Conservative, Oban South & The Isles), who made the initial point of order about hearing comments about councillor Tommy MacPherson (Ind, South Kintyre), which had been picked up on microphone, joined councillor Julie McKenzie (Ind, Oban North & Lorn), condemning the incident.
In their joint statement, they explained they had left the chamber independently in protest over the comments and that they felt the entire affair had sullied proceedings.
Their statement read: “During today’s budget meeting, following offensive and inappropriate comments directed at Cllr Tommy MacPherson, the tone of proceedings deteriorated significantly.
“As the meeting continued, further contributions focused on his character rather than the agenda itself. In our view, this moved well beyond robust political disagreement and into personal attack.
“Cllr MacPherson is entitled, as every elected member is, to question, challenge and take positions without being subjected to that treatment. We stand firmly in support of his right to participate in debate free from such conduct.”
The statement added: “We wish to be clear that our decision to leave the chamber was not preplanned. We did not collude or confer on this matter. We independently reached the same conclusion in response to what we considered unacceptable behaviour. For that reason, we left the chamber in protest.
“Council meetings must uphold proper standards of conduct. What unfolded today is unacceptable and damages public confidence in the administration of Argyll and Bute Council and its ability to conduct its business with respect, integrity and common decency.”
This newspaper would like to clarify that both councillors stayed in the meeting for the vote on the budget, which was decided before 1pm — almost three hours after the incident.
Councillor Hampsey voted for the Conservative opposition budget amendment, and councillor McKenzie abstained.
